Recipe

Roasted tomatoes are part and parcel of many contemporary sandwiches. Served atop well-flavored goat cheese that has been spread on toasted bread, their sweetness harmonizes with the cheese’s tang and texture. Roasted tomatoes can also be spooned over angel-hair pasta for a quick, light summer meal--especially aromatic when sprinkled with extra-fresh basil.

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

4 ripe tomatoes, cored

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of sugar (see Note)

1 pound soft goat cheese

2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4 slices (½ inch thick) crusty peasant bread

8 whole fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F.

2. Halve the tomatoes crosswise, and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and sprinkle with the sugar. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 3 hours. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the tomatoes to a plate to cool.

3. While the tomatoes are roasting, gently crumble the goat cheese into a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the orange zest, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until the tomatoes have finished roasting and are cooled.

4. When you are ready to serve the sandwiches, lightly toast the bread. Spread the cheese mixture on one side of each slice. Top with 2 whole basil leaves and 2 tomato halves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Serve immediately.

Notes

Wine: Napa Valley (CA) Sangiovese

Don’t omit the sugar—it eliminates any acidic undertaste in the tomatoes.